Garissa Residents to Benefit From Mathenge Eradication Program

Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has launched a new initiative to help Garissa residents benefit from the mathenge (proposis juliaflora) tree.

The project supported by the International Labor Organisation (ILO) through Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI) advocates for the management of mathenge through utilization for decent green jobs and socio-economic development in Garissa and Tana River Counties.

Under the project, individuals and groups will be trained to create valuable products like animal feeds, baking flour, honey substrate, charcoal and artifacts from the tree which has become a menace to the residents of the two counties.

Speaking during the occasion on Tuesday, Governor Nathif Jama welcomed the program and said the soon to be launched Ugatuzi na Kazi Program would complement this new initiative by helping eradicate this invasive mathenge tree.

Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane and Tana River Deputy Governor Mahat Ali Loka accompanied the Governor alongside respective County Executive Officers from the two counties, senior county officers and representatives from partner organizations like KIRDI, MercyCorps and Garissa University.